Court Street Access & Safety Transformation (CAST)

For many years, residents and community leaders have identified downtown revitalization and improved transportation as priorities for Beatrice. A primary goal of the CAST Project is to remove the Highway 136 designation from Court Street and reroute U.S. Highway 136 around downtown. This change would reduce overall traffic volumes and significantly decrease heavy truck traffic on Beatrice's historic Main Street, creating opportunities to improve safety, accessibility, and the downtown experience.

Yes. The project redirects Highway 136 from Court Street one block south to Market Street. This will allow regional traffic to continue moving efficiently while redirecting the amount of through traffic and heavy truck traffic around the Central Business District.

No. The project is currently in the planning and design phase, and no final design has been approved. The City, State, and other partners are evaluating alternatives and developing plans to support the project's goals. Additional information will be shared as the design progresses.

With Highway 136 relocated off of Court Street, the City will have greater flexibility to consider improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, mobility, and the overall appearance and function of Court Street. Potential improvements may include roadway enhancements, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, parking improvements, streetscape features, and other elements intended to support a vibrant downtown environment. Specific improvements will be determined through the design process.

Reducing through and heavy-truck traffic on Court Street will create opportunities to strengthen downtown Beatrice as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and community events. Improvements to safety, accessibility, and the overall appearance of downtown are intended to support existing businesses while encouraging future private investment and economic growth.

In June 2024, the City of Beatrice was awarded a $21.3 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Infrastructure Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This federal funding will support planning, design, and construction of the CAST Project.

Project updates and other information will be posted on this page as planning and design advance. Opportunities for public input will be announced throughout the process, and final design information will be shared once it becomes available.